Monday, July 2, 2012

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren

It’s the summer of 1913 and Cora Kensington’s life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, but someone dear to Cora is failing as well.

In one fateful afternoon, a stranger comes to call, and Cora discovers a terrible secret about her past…a secret that will radically change her future.

Cora is invited to take the “Grand Tour” of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person’s eduction, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement. As she travels from England to France, with kin she’s never known, Cora encounters the blessings of a family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning….

The first book in the Grand Tour series will take readers on a journey of cultural refinement, but moreover, explores what truly informs a person’s sense of identity.

There is no doubt that Lisa Bergren is a talented writer.  I'll have to admit that for me, this book didn't compare to her River of Time series (which is one of my all time favorites).  This book was in a completely different genre though.  Christian Historical Fiction is what I would describe it as.

I did like Glamorous Illusions.  Bergren has the ability to create such pretty pictures in my mind.  I love being transported to new places in my reading.  

Cora is such a likable character.  She handles herself with dignity and grace no matter the circumstances.  I admire her kindness.  

It was kind of weird to me to jump from a first person point of view with Cora to a third person point of view with Will.  I didn't really like that.  

Overall this was a good read.  I enjoyed it.  Not my favorite, but I will probably pick up the next book because I'm interested in seeing where Cora's next adventure takes her.  We were kind of left hanging a bit.

9 comments:

  1. I didn't like the change in the point of view either although I loved Cora and Will individually and as a potential couple-I can't wait to read more about them!

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    1. I'm looking forward to the potential between Cora and Will too. :)

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  2. I'm so glad I found you blog! I'm now a new follower. I'm always looking for blogs that add content warnings at the end, so helpful! I liked this book too. The River of Time is my all time favorite series!

    Kathryn
    Clean Teen Fiction
    Clean Adult Fiction

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  3. Wow, I must have been on another planet because I completely missed that Lisa Bergren wrote this! I enjoy her writing so I think I will try this one as well

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  4. I think the cover is beautiful, and it's what first drew me to this book. I have it on my nook, and I can't wait to read it. I'm sorry that you didn't enjoy it as much as her River of Time series though.

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  5. sounds ok
    but not 4me
    tnx4 the honest review

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  6. I love books set before WWI and the cover of this book is gorgeous! Thank you for the honest review I loved Ms. Bergren's River of Time Series and have been wondering about this book.

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  7. This one is not to my taste, but I'd really like to read the River of Time series.

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  8. I haven't read any of Lisa's books, but I have the whole River of Time series waiting for me to read! I can't wait to read this one- I have it on e-book from NetGalley. Thanks for the review!

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